what i’m reading in 2025
(in the near future)
I don’t usually make reading lists because I don't stick to them. I’m what you’d call a mood reader—I read whatever I want in the moment. Still,
’s ‘reading syllabus for winter’ inspired me, because I still have a general idea of books I want to read soon(ish).My writing tastes have changed the most over the past year. The literary part of my frontal lobe developed and I grew out of my eighth grade love for rom-coms (more often than not smutty), acquiring a taste for literary fiction.
It's something I’ve tried to get myself to do for years but I suppose, like most things, it had to come naturally when I wasn’t trying. Not to say I don’t occasionally indulge in some guilty pleasure romance, just that it's no longer my primary genre of reading (a personal choice—to each their own). I definitely don’t find those sorts of books worth buying anymore. In fact, it's hard to justify any book as worth today’s insane prices. So when I can, I thrift books-which proves difficult when a lot of the books I read are newer releases. So for the noble pursuit of knowledge I perform a little rebellious dance against capitalism and download EPUB versions online from ****** and ******** (gatekeeping, sorry) onto Apple books or get pirated physical copies.
Regardless of whether you crack the spines of books, read horizontally on your iPhone, or even hardbacks only (crazy business because 1. Where do you get the money & 2. Why?) I hope BookTok/BookStagram’s trends haven’t carried you away from reading how and what you love like they did with me.
As such, I have obtained the majority of this list the old fashioned way—browsing. You know, when you see an intriguing cover in the bookstore’s window and take a peek at the synopsis? The only online place I trust for recommendations is YouTube, and only a handful of creators (Jack Edwards, uncarley, frankie’s shelf, shawn mccomb). Even Goodreads has just become a tracking app for me. The bottom of any list on there is not even reflective of my tastes anymore and the outdated software makes it a bore to delete each book I’m no longer interested in.
Anyway,
To get to the point, here’s what I’m reading in 2025 (or in the near future).
Paul Takes The Form Of A Mortal Girl
On account of the realisation I haven’t read much magical realism and the fact that Andrea Lawlor is a professor at one of the colleges I’m applying to and wouldn't it be so cool to say to your gay professor “Hi omg I’m such a huge fan of your book. I can’t wait to learn from you. I can only hope to write with half the wit and humor you do”. To do that though I’d have to have actually read the book.
Just Kids
It's actually a bit embarrassing to admit I haven’t read this when Patti Smith is such a me coded writer. I swear I can feel the book mocking me as it collects dust on my bedside table. Patti and Rob’s love story compels me and her artistic expression is inspiring. So I will read it. (soon)
Intermezzo
To be completely honest, I don’t actually know if I want to read this. I adore Sally Rooney’s writing—‘Normal People’ is one of my favourite books. Her characters are raw and unapologetically flawed and so so relatable. But I’ve seen mixed reviews on Intermezzo, with some comparing it to ‘Beautiful World Where Are You’, my least favourite book by her. But maybe I will read it, just to form my own opinion and be able to say I have read every Sally Rooney book ever, immortalising her position on my roster of writing muses. I mean, I have it downloaded anyway. I might as well give it a chance.
Ariel/Time is a Mother
I’ve been trying to branch out even further out of my comfort zone into poetry. Ariel was a recommendation from my friend’s sister who thought it was the best poetry she’d ever read. Considering she reads quite a bit I think that's high praise. She also recommended Ocean Vuong's poetry collection, despite my reluctance after recently reading ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book. The poetic prose is beautiful. I just eventually felt overwhelmed by so much poetic, romantic language. Poetry doesn't seem like the logical next read, but an eventual one.
I'm Glad My Mom Died
I read the first paragraph of this book online and knew I’d love it. So I just had to have it. It deserved a place on my bookshelf for sure. I was even willing to buy the overpriced hardback edition when I found it was the only available option at the bookstore. I received it as a birthday present soon after anyway, though not the version I was hoping for. Regardless, a read I look forward to.
Down the Drain
Another autobiography, this one from Julia Fox. Julia Fox’s enigmatic presence makes me want to know what it is that makes, and has always made her ‘So Julia’. I want to see her unabashed, raw honesty put into words. Authentic, honest books that don't shy away from depicting the frailty and harshness of the human condition are honestly the most impactful to me—especially when written from experience.
Cleopatra & Frankenstein/Blue Sisters
The title of this book had me sold. Even if it hadn’t, the setting and theme of a soul bending relationship probably would’ve done it. The comparisons to Sally Rooney and Dolly Alderton (two of my favourite authors) with similarly relatable characters stumbling through life as best they can is my preferred literary archetype. Family ties don’t interest me as much, which is why I’d only consider reading ‘Blue Sisters’ if I end up loving Coco Mellors’s writing in Cleo & Frank, because at least it still has the realistic, destructive characters I look for.
Post-Traumatic
I came across this book in the wrong section. It was categorised as ‘romance’ but judging from the cover, I knew there was more to it. “Complex heroine…razor sharp prose…”-clearly I was right. I remember asking my therapist how she deals with her own pain and experiences when having to address others. That's literally what this book is - 320 pages of deep reflection, and I can’t wait to devour every one. (but obviously, i will)
By now, you’ve probably gathered from this list that I will read any book with existential sally rooney-esque characters set in New York, especially during the 90s. Exploratory commentary on themes like sexuality, gender roles, love & longing that makes an impact while being digestible-either through relatable characters or humorous writing. If you have any recommendations that fit this description let me know, maybe I’ll read them. Eventually.
I’ve been wanting to read almost all of these books too! I also love Dolly Alderton and Sally Rooney, but yes I heard Intermezzo is not that great :(